Just yesterday it felt like school was back, and we’re already looking ahead to October half term! Unsure what to do with your children in half term, or looking for October half term activities? Here’s a quick rundown of our favourite activities this autumn half term. For us, it’s all about embracing the seasons, exploring nature, and slowing the pace, wherever we can. Here’s how!
Pumpkin patches
We'd be remiss not to include pumpkin patches in this list. If you’re in a rural area, you might be spoilt for choice with local farms to visit that set up a fun pumpkin patch and pumpkin picking activity in October. Some will expand this to maizes, photo opportunities and more. If you’re not sure where to look, or are in a more urban area where local patches aren’t as forthcoming, country houses, garden centres and other farm areas tend to begin advertising come September.
Autumn walks and nature exploration
Look into local woodlands, country house properties and open spaces to get exploring nature with children this autumn. We love the Exploring Nature with Children curriculum by Lynn Seddon of Raising Little Shoots, which explores all things to see in nature in each season, if you’re after something more detailed. Equally the National Trust has a great set of resources for fun activities for autumn, from building a den to playing conkers and having fun with sticks!
Scarecrow trails
If you love somewhere rural or with a large farming community, this is a great one to look into. See if local scouts, charities, or village parishes have an annual scarecrow trail! If they don’t - why not try creating your own scarecrow, or set a trail up in your community?
Forest trails
Another great activity for children, Forestry England has a fantastic variety of resources and prompts for exploring woodlands in the autumn. Head to their full range here for lots of Julia Donaldson themed activities to get children outdoors, from Superworm trails to Gruffalo sculptures and true or false bluebell activities. Not much of a resource printer? Just head to your closest Forestry England area and ask what’s on! There’s usually plenty, especially during school holidays.
Cosy days at home
Finally, having cosy days in your home space suits the autumn to winter transition beautifully in our books. Reading dens, audiobooks, snack evenings and cosy Disney films are perfect fodder for embracing a slower pace (and you might even get a brief break, too!).
Enjoy!
We can’t wait to hear what you get up to this October half term. For us, it’s all about embracing the seasons and slowing the pace.
